Leadamalgam is a rare mercury-palladium alloy typically found as small grains in alluvial deposits. Due to its high mercury content, it has a distinctively high density and metallic luster, though it is often dull or tarnished in field environments.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Silver-white

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAmalgam Group family

Leadamalgam

Also: Potarite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Silver-white
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this leadamalgam?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch leadamalgam with a known reference. Leadamalgam sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Leadamalgam leaves a silver-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Leadamalgam typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or small grains.

Often confused with

Leadamalgam vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Leadamalgam leaves silver-white, Native Mercury leaves none.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Leadamalgam leaves silver-white, Stibiopalladinite leaves black.

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Often found alongside leadamalgam

Minerals reported to co-occur with leadamalgam. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PdHg
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 13.0-15.0 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Streak: Silver-white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Small Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alluvial Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find leadamalgam

Classic worldwide localities

Guyana
Russia
Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where leadamalgam typically forms. If you start seeing gold, hematite, diamond in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or small grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify leadamalgam?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is silver-white. Common colors include silver-white.

Where is leadamalgam found?+

Notable localities include Guyana; Russia; Brazil.

How much is leadamalgam worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is leadamalgam safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and palladium; avoid handling directly. Wash hands thoroughly after contact and avoid inhaling any dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like leadamalgam?+

Leadamalgam is most often confused with Silver, Native Mercury, Stibiopalladinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with leadamalgam?+

Leadamalgam commonly co-occurs with Gold, Hematite, Diamond. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does leadamalgam form in?+

Leadamalgam typically forms in alluvial deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is leadamalgam used for?+

Leadamalgam is used in collector.

Find leadamalgam on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.